City closer to big switch-on
Progress on broadband project
A new stage in a £10 million project to deliver a full fibre broadband network across the Stirling area got underway this week.
It is claimed the project will provide the opportunity for almost every home and business across Stirling to access the ultrafast connections.
It is being delivered through private investment from Cityfibre as part of a partnership with Vodafone.
Stirling is among the first locations in the UK to benefit from the digital transformation, along with Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
It is claimed that using fibre optic cables for every stage of the connection will provide a more reliable broadband service, capable of gigabit speeds.
Work on the project began in the summer of 2017 with the laying of 12½ miles of hi-tech computer cable across the city, linking Stirling Council premises including schools and libraries.
In April this year it was announced that homes and businesses would have the chance to benefit from the scheme.
Now Cityfibre has announced a further extension of the network. Construction to provide highspeed broadband access will begin in the Cambusbarron area this week, with Bannockburn to follow in the new year. There are plans for another extension to Bridge of Allan.
The first homes and businesses will see their full fibre services go live in spring next year, and construction work is expected to continue throughout next year and into 2020.
Elaine Doherty of Cityfibre said: “Ultrafast broadband will help households access all the latest entertainment at lightning speed but the benefits are far deeper than that, from enabling smart home technology to giving people the freedom to work from home with ease. Full fibre also enables Stirling to be more innovative and productive, ultimately giving businesses the platform they need to realise their growth ambitions. ”
Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer said: “The start of these works by Cityfibre signals the power being switched on for a new age for Stirling.
“Secure, high-speed access to the internet is such a vital part of the city’s infrastructure and is a key asset to encourage more businesses and visitors to the area.
“This project will see homes and businesses in Stirling hooked up to some of the fastest internet available in the UK, connecting our communities, businesses and residents like never before as we continue to make Stirling a place where everyone can thrive.”
Stirling West councillor Neil Benny said: “There will be a disruption while it is installed but the potential that having such a strong connection will give us is well worth it.
“It’s also a real vote of confidence for Stirling to see such a high level of private investment coming in.
“It must not stop here. Perhaps Councillor Farmer can wave his magic wand and deliver proper investment in fibre across all our communities.”